Interview with Debut Author Alicia Lloyd

Alicia Lloyd is a senior at West Chester University of Pennsylvania and is working towards her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Grades Preparation (PK-4) and Special Education. She has a strong passion for working with children and loves to write! Alicia lives in Oxford, Pennsylvania surrounded by her wonderful friends and family.

Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?

It depends on what I am writing about. Being a college student, most of the writing I have time for has to be planned; however- I find my best papers are written only a few hours before they are due — CRAZY! When I want to write for pleasure — it is all the speed of my hand catching up with the words that are being produced. It’s messy and half the time doesn’t make sense, but I find it therapeutic.

In regards to publishing my first book, the story just came to me at three o’clock in the morning! I wrote down the last two lines of my book and the first three of the beginning of the story. The next morning, I finished my story and yes, it did just flow and I am very thankful for that!

Do your characters ever want to take over the story?

Not so far. My story is to let children ponder what their monsters are and to leave the message to never be afraid of them. Monsters can be anything or anyone. Diseases, a bully, any kind of hardship or obstacle they come across. It is the same for adults.

What is your favorite food?

Depends on my mood. I can definitely be indecisive sometimes but I love pizza!

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Night owl

Where do you dream of traveling to and why?

I really want to go to an island with clear water and beautiful sunsets! I love taking pictures of sunsets. I would also love to go to Europe and walk the streets of history. Ireland would be on my list as well, there is family over there — I would love to learn more about my heritage.

Do distant places feature in your books?

When the Monsters are Quiet can take you to any place whether it is distant or not. It may not even be a place, but everyone has a different monster that they are afraid of which can include a place. The second book I am starting to write features a very exciting place that little kids always dream of…it will have to be a secret for now!

Do you listen to music while writing?

Yes, I need some kind of noise in the background if I am writing for a purpose. It always helps.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?

My latest release is a children’s book that regards a common fear that children have — bedtime! My books explains hearing unfamiliar noises isn’t always what you think it is. Monsters are something that scare children when they are trying to go asleep. Of course there is a monster in my book, but he isn’t so scary after all!

What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?

I have learned more about myself, if anything. I always wanted to publish a book, but I never of thought it would happen at the age of 22 years old. I thought it would definitely be out of my reach since I am still in college and just scribbled something down on my phone one night. Some people ask me about rejection letters — fortunately, I never received one. I am very blessed and thankful that my first publication wasn’t a stressful process. I was afraid that it would turn my love for writing into something I wouldn’t want to do anymore. I learned nothing is out of reach — I really can do anything I set my mind to. I work with children on a daily basis, and they get excited knowing I wrote a book…hopefully I give a little inspiration to someone else I know.

Is there anything you would do differently?

No, not for When the Monsters are Quiet. I am so glad I chose Halo Publishing and got to work with Lisa Umina and Amy Rottinger. They made this experience and my story come to life, and I couldn’t be happier.

Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?

I am not sure if anything recently influenced my writing. Sometimes, I would struggle with writing papers for school and would hate doing it. I learned to write with emotion — write something that people relate too. And I always save the best ideas for last. My dad always told me, “Write the ending that is going to make people think or leave a message…make it POP!” I always try to have a “popping end.”Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?

GO FOR IT! With this experience, I have met many different, amazing, amazing people. I often have conversations with people who tell me they love to write and always wanted to write a book. I practically beg them to give it a shot. I tell them to one day when they feel the inspiration to sit down, get in their “zone,” and let their ideas flow. It may not come fast, and it may take time and patience — but just go for it!

What are three words that describe you?

Caring, personable, and loving.

What’s your favorite book or who is your favorite writer?

As a child, I memorized almost every Dr. Seuss book. As I started reading chapter books, Judy Blume was and still is a favorite. Now that I am older, I love Nicholas Sparks’ books and James Patterson.Any other books coming soon?

It is in the works! The story came from my dream. Where I was holding a book that wasn’t my own and tried to give it back. But someone told me, “No, that is your book. That’s your second one.”

Any websites/places readers can find you on the web?

Halopublishing.com

Amazon.com

Barnesandnoble.com

Facebook: When the Monsters are Quiet by Alicia Lloyd — contact me there for a signed copy! J

My book is in 40,000 in over 100 countries. Also available for kindle and nook!